The Namburg National Park is home to thousands of limestone sculptures, known as The Pinnacles, naturally formed over tens of thousands of years. Each formation is unique and untouched by mankind, and is an easily accessible stepping stone to explore the Australian outback.
The Pinnacles lookout point provides a scenic glimpse over the Indian Ocean in the distance and the surrounding grey-green saltbush scrub that miraculously bursts into color in Spring. The park is home to grey kangaroos, emus, birds and lizards which visitors may be lucky enough to spot.
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Price
$12 per vehicle (USD$7.87)
Hours
9am-4:30pm7 days
Look Around
Who Will Like The Pinnacles
Nature Lover
Be surprised at this forest of petrified crushed sea shells and sand, standing like sentinels in the desert. In the evening the unpolluted atmosphere gives the southern stars spectacular clarity.
Photography Whiz
Capture the changing colors and shadows throughout the day or visit at sunrise to witness golden hues enveloping these ancient stones.
Road Tripper
Take a comfortable day trip from Perth along the off Indian Ocean Drive. Longer road trips bound for Geraldton or Exmouth should not miss this essential stop.
Insider Tips For The Pinnacles
- Download offline Google Maps before leaving wi-fi as phone network reception is sparse outside the Perth metropolitan area.
- The best time to visit is between May and November when the days aren’t too hot. Western Australia’s famous wildflowers bloom into color between August and November.
- Cars are allowed on some dirt tracks within the park while others are pedestrian only. The entire walking trail spans almost 2km and takes 1.5-2 hours.
- If visiting from Perth, stop in Lancelin for freshly-caught fish and chips and to explore the towering sand dunes.
Video
How To Get There
Car
Free • Large carpark available and several pull-off spots along the dirt-track. Parking is included in the entry fee.
Bus (TransWAN5)
Perth to Geraldton via Jurien Bay route stops at the Pinnacles turn off. Ask the driver to stop as it is not an official bus stop and requires a 1-hour walk eastwards to the Visitors Center. Bus tickets cost around $74.60 (USD$48.94) return.
Tech & Photography
Wifi
Public wifi access: None
Photography
Photography allowed: Yes
Tripod allowed: Yes
Selfie sticks allowed: Yes
Best time to shoot: Sunrise & Sunset
Tips: The unpolluted desert sky makes star gazing in the evening a spectacle not to be missed. Use a tripod for long exposure shots at night.
Drones
Drones allowed: Yes (subject to national/regional rules)
Bags
Backpacks allowed: Yes
Secured bag lockers available: No
Food & Drink
No food or drink available on site so bring your own. The closest restaurants and food stores are at the fishing village of Cervantes, a 30-minute drive north.
Backstory
The Nambung National Park, home to the Pinnacles desert, is located around 200 kilometres north of Perth and spans 17,487 hectares. Scientists have discovered the Pinnacles’ sculptures are a unique solidified sand-shell. Over thousands of years (some sources say up to 80,000) crushed limestone and sea shells were fused together by the Indian Ocean; deposited on land and then hardened by rain. Loose top sands constantly move and erode to reveal the hardened mounds we marvel at today.
Etiquette
- Be respectful as site is sacred to Indigenous Australians.
- Leave donations if visiting outside of official hours.
- Park in designated pull-off bays . and leave room for other cars to drive around you
- Climb on or touch the rock formations.
- Wander off the signposted path.
- Leave rubbish behind.
Scorecard
- Location. Unique and interesting landscape a 1.5-hour drive from Perth.
- Minimal crowds even in busy periods
- Unpolluted night sky with clear star views.
- Few informative plaques to explain the rock formations.
- Food and drink availability.
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